How to Remove Embedded Apps on Xiaomi: 5 Proven Methods

Why Xiaomi’s built-in apps are hindering users

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones come pre-installed with software that takes up space in memory, consumes battery power in the background and sometimes even shows ads. According to a Counterpoint Research (2023) study, up to 30% of users try to get rid of unnecessary system applications in the first months of using the device. The problem is compounded by the fact that MIUI aggressively restores remote applications after system updates - a unique feature of the firmware, which the manufacturer positions as "care for the user."

But it's not all that bad: there are legal and illegal ways to clean the system. In this article, we'll look at 5 methods, from simple shutdown to complete removal with ADB and root rights. It's important to understand that some actions can disrupt the stability of a smartphone or deprive you of warranties. So before you start, answer the question: do you really need this manipulation, or is it enough to hide apps from the menu?

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi’s built-in apps annoy you the most?
Mi Browser
Mi Music
Mi Video
GetApps
Themes
Cleaner
Others

Method 1: Disabling system applications without removing

The safest way to do this is to disable unnecessary programs, not to delete them, but to stop the background activity and remove icons from the menu, and is suitable for all models, including the Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5.

Instructions:

  • πŸ“± Open the Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management
  • πŸ” In the search bar, enter the name of the application (for example, Mi Browser)
  • 🚫 Click Disable (if the button is inactive – the application is critical to the system)
  • ⚠️ Confirm the action in the dialog window

Limitations of the method:

  • ❌ Not all applications can be disabled (e.g., Mi Security or Services Framework)
  • ❌ After updating MIUI Some applications may be activated again.
  • βœ… This method does not require root rights and does not affect the guarantee.

Backup important data |

Check the version of MIUI in Settings β†’ About Phone |

Write down the names of the applications being disabled |

Make sure the battery is over 50 times charged%-->

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root)

A more radical way is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to completely remove some system applications, but requires a connection to the computer and enable developer mode. Suitable for MIUI 12/13/14 on all devices, including the Xiaomi 12T and Redmi K50.

Step-by-step:

  1. πŸ–₯️ Install. ADB Tools on PC
  2. πŸ“± On the phone, activate Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to turn on the developer mode)
  3. πŸ”§ Back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers and enable debugging by USB
  4. πŸ”Œ Connect the phone to the PC and type in the command line:
adb devices


adb shell pm list packages | grep 'xiaomi'




adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser

Replace com.miui.browser with the package of the desired application.

AnnexPacket nameCan I remove it?
Mi Browsercom.android.browserβœ… Yes.
Mi Musiccom.miui.playerβœ… Yes.
Mi Videocom.miui.videoplayerβœ… Yes.
GetAppscom.xiaomi.mipicks⚠️ Partially (may disrupt the store's work)
Cleanercom.miui.cleanmasterβœ… Yes.

⚠️ Note: Removing com.miui.securitycenter or com.android.settings may result in loss of functionality of the security center or system settings.

Method 3: Using Magisk and Root Modules

For advanced users willing to sacrifice the warranty, there is a method to obtain root rights through Magisk.This allows you to remove any system applications, including those that are blocked in ADB. Suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader (for example, POCO X3 Pro or Redmi Note 11).

Algorithm of action:

  1. πŸ”“ Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (waiting required) 7-14 days)
  2. πŸ“² Install custom recovery (TWRP Or OrangeFox)
  3. πŸ› οΈ Get Magisk through Recovery
  4. 🧩 Install System App Remover from Magisk repository

Advantages of the method:

  • βœ… Remove any applications, including MiuiDaemon (responsible for advertising)
  • βœ… Ability to backup copies before deletion
  • βœ… Flexible management of system processes

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T Pro) Deleting com.qualcomm.qti.telephonyservice may result in loss of network connection. Check dependencies with App Inspector before deleting.

What happens if you remove MiuiDaemon?
This is a system process that controls how ads are displayed in MIUI, and if it is removed, it will cause banners to disappear in settings and some standard applications, but on some firmware, it can cause themes to work incorrectly.

Method 4: Debloating through custom firmware

The most radical way is to install custom firmware without bloat (preinstalled software).

  • πŸ“± LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications
  • πŸ“± Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel functionality
  • πŸ“± Xiaomi.eu – modified MIUI without Chinese services

Installation process:

  1. πŸ”“ Unlock the bootloader (as in Method 3)
  2. πŸ“₯ Download the firmware for your model with XDA Developers
  3. πŸ”§ Set it through TWRP full-whip (Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data)

Advantages:

  • βœ… Complete absence of bloat and advertising
  • βœ… Regular security updates
  • βœ… The possibility of choosing between MIUI pure android

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Loss of guarantee
  • ❌ Risk of "bricking" if installed incorrectly
  • ❌ Certain functions (e.g, IR Blaster may not work properly

πŸ’‘

Before installing custom firmware, check compatibility with your model on the 4PDA or XDA forum.Some firmware requires additional patches for the camera or modem.

Method 5: Hiding applications without removal

If you don’t need to completely remove apps, just take them out of sight, use the built-in MIUI features:

Ways of concealment:

  • πŸ“‚ Hidden Apps folder: Press the icon β†’ "Hide the app"
  • πŸ”’ Second space: Settings β†’ Special opportunities β†’ Second space
  • πŸ“± Mode for children: restricts access to selected applications

Advantages:

  • βœ… Does not require root rights or ADB
  • βœ… Does not affect the operation of the system
  • βœ… It's easy to undo changes

⚠️ Attention: Hidden applications continue to run in the background and consume resources. Use Settings to stop completely β†’ Annexes β†’ Background restriction.

How to Restore Remote System Applications

If you have problems after deleting (for example, Google Services stopped working or your settings disappeared), you can restore applications in several ways:

Recovery methods:

  1. πŸ”„ Reset to factory settings (deletes all data!)
  2. πŸ“₯ Hand-mounted APK (For example, Mi Browser can be downloaded from APKCombo)
  3. πŸ–₯️ Recovery through ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.browser
  4. πŸ”§ Fastboot Flashback (full system recovery)

Dynamic Partition models (e.g., Xiaomi 12 or POCO F4) may require full flashing via the Mi Flash Tool.

  • Download the official firmware for your model
  • Unblock the.tz file to the folder with the Mi Flash Tool
  • Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol-)
  • Choose Clean All and Lock for Complete Cleaning

πŸ’‘

Before restoring system applications, check their dependencies through the adb shell dumpsys package com.miui.browser command.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing embedded applications

❓ Can MiuiDaemon be removed without consequences?
Yes, but on some firmware, this can lead to design themes errors, and it is recommended that you first disable it via ADB with the adb shell pm disable-user com.miui.daemon command and test the system throughout the day.
❓ Why After Updating MIUI Removed applications are returned?
This is a feature of the MIUI update mechanism: the system restores the standard set of applications from the firmware image. To avoid this, after updating, re-execute the deletion via ADB or use the Magisk module to block the recovery.
❓ How to Remove Google Services on Xiaomi for China?
Google services are not available on devices for the Chinese market (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra CN), and if you have manually installed them and want to remove them, use the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gms Note that this will disrupt many applications that depend on Google Play Services.
❓ Can I uninstall applications on Xiaomi without a computer?
Yes, but with limitations, apps like App Inspector or Package Disabler Pro (requires root) allow you to disable system programs directly from your phone, but you'll need root rights to completely uninstall without ADB.
❓ Which apps can’t be removed exactly?
Critical systems: com.android.settings - settings com.miui.securitycenter - security center com.qualcomm.qti.telephonyservice - telephone services (on Snapdragon) com.miui.home - launcher Their removal will lead to the inoperability of the phone.